Thugs caught on cam

Police believe this male captured on CCTV will assist their enquiries.

By Brendan Rees

A Tooradin liquor shop has been left fuming after bandits allegedly stole about $300 worth of alcohol on Friday night, 27 March.

The owner of Bottle-O Tooradin, Ross, who asked not to use his surname, said a male of African appearance had walked into the South Gippsland Highway store about 7.15pm where he grabbed a bottle of spirits before allegedly walking out without paying.

About 10 minutes later, another three males, also of African appearance entered the shop where they allegedly grabbed armfuls of vodka and cider cases from a front display and left without paying – while two customers were present at the counter.

The incidents were captured on the store’s security cameras.

Ross said: “They just took what they wanted … never said a word.”

He said the bandits were particularly brazen as his wife had been serving customers at the time of the incidents.

“It all happened so quick.”

It’s believed the males aged about 15 to 20 left in a dark coloured hatchback.

“Thank you to the two young guys who were in the store and also our neighbours who assisted us at the time,” Bottle-O Tooradin posted on its Facebook page.

Cranbourne Police are investigating.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.